Parents start petition to "halt" DEI programs at St. Paul's Schools

TIMONIUM, Md. (WBFF) — A petition has been started urging officials with The St. Paul’s Schools to "halt" Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion programs until a formal plan is proposed and accepted by the community.

Those writing the petition, said in part, "the administration is pursuing the development of this program in a manner that either lacks competence or good judgment."

The petition voiced concerns that some of the discussion surrounding the DEI initiative was "inappropriate and unnecessary."

"They're asking for the board to simply present a plan, a program for their DEI initiatives that the community can then you know, give feedback," said Alexis Nester, with Parents Defending Education. "That's the most basic thing that this school could do for these families."

In response, The St. Paul's School said "As an Episcopal school, we are called to foster a community where all students feel seen, loved, and supported to achieve at their highest level. It’s our duty to equip students with the empathy and awareness to engage with different beliefs and perspectives, thereby preparing them to thrive in a culturally and ideologically diverse world."

On their website, they state, "Our students learn to appreciate a variety of backgrounds and beliefs. Our global perspective and founding principles steer how we teach, resulting in lasting lessons on humanity and good citizenship. We believe in inclusiveness. We support diversity as an integral aspect of educational excellence that enriches the experiences of all. We respect and celebrate diversity in race, religion, ethnicity, socio-economic circumstances, sexual orientation, gender, and ability."